Harry Jolshan06.01.15
Things have come a long way in the field of medicine and medical devices and we can now be reasonably confident that if we are, unfortunately, in the position of needing the support of a pacemaker for a heart problem, kidney dialysis, or even an x-ray or scan to assess a problem, then the device in question will do what it is supposed to do. There are strict regulations, understandably, in this area and this article on the UK Government's website explains the importance of avoiding “off-label” use of medical devices.
Modern medical devices
While perhaps still not perfect, today’s medical devices are almost always regulated in such a way that they serve the purpose for which they were intended, provided they are used correctly. That is where the vital importance of correct labeling comes in, both to ensure that the products are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and to protect the manufacturer from litigation if the product is used “off-label,” i.e. in a way other than that for which it was intended.
One way of being sure that the printed labels are correct and up-to-date with new regulations is to have an in-house label printer from a reliable manufacturer, such as QuickLabel Systems, for example, who has expertise in supplying a range of color label printers for different industries. A patient can walk into a hospital for an MRI scan, for instance, confident in the knowledge that the machine is safe and will be used correctly.
This has not always been the case, however, and delving into the past, perhaps through a visit to a museum, or through internet searches, can show some very dubious practices: A ceramic doll, used to demonstrate to children and their parents just what treatment they would receive after orthopaedic surgery, is relatively benign. A device looking more appropriate for a torture chamber was used to fasten around a man’s penis at night, to prevent incontinence. Apparently the concept was that the pain would be sufficient to wake a sleeper at the first sign of any swelling in the organ. Ouch!
Medical devices for domestic use
With the huge progress made in modern technology, it is now possible to find a range of medical devices intended for domestic use, such as home blood test kits for diabetics, instruments that strap to the wrist to measure the amount of exercise carried out (number of steps) together with the calories used and the resting and active pulse rates. While some of these are possibly overkill, (no pun intended), being able to check one’s blood pressure at home, for instance, could perhaps prevent a serious condition developing if a person is prone to very high (or low) blood pressure. Regardless of the device, proper labeling goes a long way by ensuring that the user is correctly informed of the safest and most effective ways to use the product.
Modern medical devices
While perhaps still not perfect, today’s medical devices are almost always regulated in such a way that they serve the purpose for which they were intended, provided they are used correctly. That is where the vital importance of correct labeling comes in, both to ensure that the products are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and to protect the manufacturer from litigation if the product is used “off-label,” i.e. in a way other than that for which it was intended.
One way of being sure that the printed labels are correct and up-to-date with new regulations is to have an in-house label printer from a reliable manufacturer, such as QuickLabel Systems, for example, who has expertise in supplying a range of color label printers for different industries. A patient can walk into a hospital for an MRI scan, for instance, confident in the knowledge that the machine is safe and will be used correctly.
This has not always been the case, however, and delving into the past, perhaps through a visit to a museum, or through internet searches, can show some very dubious practices: A ceramic doll, used to demonstrate to children and their parents just what treatment they would receive after orthopaedic surgery, is relatively benign. A device looking more appropriate for a torture chamber was used to fasten around a man’s penis at night, to prevent incontinence. Apparently the concept was that the pain would be sufficient to wake a sleeper at the first sign of any swelling in the organ. Ouch!
Medical devices for domestic use
With the huge progress made in modern technology, it is now possible to find a range of medical devices intended for domestic use, such as home blood test kits for diabetics, instruments that strap to the wrist to measure the amount of exercise carried out (number of steps) together with the calories used and the resting and active pulse rates. While some of these are possibly overkill, (no pun intended), being able to check one’s blood pressure at home, for instance, could perhaps prevent a serious condition developing if a person is prone to very high (or low) blood pressure. Regardless of the device, proper labeling goes a long way by ensuring that the user is correctly informed of the safest and most effective ways to use the product.